HS vs College

The transition from high school to college requires that students with disabilities contact disability services well in advance of actual enrollment. Many colleges and universities have a diverse student population with many different needs and services which need to be planned in advance. Pre-enrollment services may be needed for assessment testing or other college requirements.

Successful accommodations come from effective collaboration between the student, college staff and faculty. Students are encouraged to:

Know your rights as well as your responsibilities.

Learn to communicate your needs, but be flexible.

Become familiar with the college website. Know how to use the hardware and software needed for access.

Utilize tools for independent access to college programs, services, and activities.

Especially for students attending college for the first time, here's a comparison between high school and college:

High School

College

School 6 hours per day, 5 days per week.

Full time students attend class 12-18 hours per week.

The school year is about 9 months long.

The academic year is two 16 week semesters.

Time is structured by others; teachers closely monitor attendance.

Students arrange their own schedule and manage their own time.

Students are not responsible for knowing what it takes to graduate.

Students are expected to know the graduation requirements for their particular program.

Teachers check student’s completed homework.

Instructors may not always check student’s homework.

Teachers might remind students of missed work and often provide students with information they missed when they were absent.

Instructors may not always remind students of missed work; they expect students to get notes from classmates for any classes they have missed.

Case manager acts as advocate.

Students advocate for themselves.

Services result from Individualized Educational Plan (IEP).

Services are based on individual needs, which must be supported by updated documentation, and the requirements for specific classes.

Regular parent contact.

Parent contact limited by privacy laws.

High schools are required to identify students with disabilities and determine what is needed for the student to be successful

Colleges are restricted from seeking out students with disabilities due to privacy laws.